It is said that dining one night at Potsdam with Wilhelm II, Bismarck was served German ‘Champagne’ or Sekt. He tasted it … and put down his glass. The kaiser looked at him inquiringly. ‘Your Majesty,’ said Bismarck, ‘I cannot drink German Champagne.’ Wilhelm explained that he had decided to serve Sekt rather than the Chancellor’s beloved Heidsieck, not only for reasons of economy, but as a patriotic gesture. ‘Your Majesty,’ said Bismarck simply, ‘I am extremely sorry. My patriotism stops short of my stomach.”
Kaiser Wilhelm and Otto von Bismarck